Layers of Flavor and Design: A Visit to Ottolenghi’s NOPI in London
For so many years, I’ve had my head buried in an Ottolenghi cookbook. Sometimes for inspiration, sometimes simply for the pleasure of reading. I’d spend most of the day attempting a few recipes or be just as happy leaving the book open on the coffee table, admiring its presence. Walking by always brings a smile.
And then today happened.
I ate at NOPI.
And then today happened.
I ate at NOPI.
The experience left me more inspired, more curious, and with a renewed desire to go deeper into flavor, into space, into design.
From the moment you step into the restaurant, it’s clear you’re somewhere thoughtful. The layered details, both on the plate and in the space, are intentional and inviting. It’s sophisticated but not stiff, polished but warm.
Family-Style and Flavor-Forward
Any chef who begins with, “We suggest sharing family-style,” already has my heart. There’s something generous and joyful about that approach, try it all, share, and then share some more. It sets the tone for an experience designed around connection.
And the wine list, thank you. Every option felt carefully chosen, whether you’re having a glass solo or sharing a bottle. The selections mirrored the food: intentional, vibrant, and quietly elegant.
A Dish to Remember
Every course delivered something memorable. But the milk and cookies? That stayed with me. A soft vanilla-scented milk, paired with delicate sesame cookies. It was nostalgic and elevated all at once. The kind of dish that takes you home, cozy, familiar, and full of care. It reminded me why I cook in the first place.
Design Notes and Quiet Roads
Design lovers, take note: the interior is calm, beautifully restrained, and full of quiet moments of delight, right down to the restrooms. (Yes, the doors open.) The restaurant is tucked near a lovely boutique designer and just off a quiet shopping road, a perfect start or end to a thoughtful afternoon.
Before you leave, stop by the front. They sell their signature books and a curated spice set, a perfect souvenir or gift for someone who understands the joy of flavor and form.
NOPI didn’t just feed me. It rekindled a sense of delight on the plate, in the place, and in the small details that make a meal more than just a meal.
